To: PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Subject:: Caledonian Express Rail Study Update 1 From: DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

Date: 3 May 2006 Ref: 79/07

1. Purpose of Report

1.I This report updates members on the studies being undertaken to examine various options for upgrading the rail service between Central and Waverley via Shotts, the Caledonian Express studies.

2. Background

2.1 The Caledonian Express Working Group (CEWG) was established to coordinate the work; the group includes representation from , , , and City of Edinburgh councils, Transport (the Scottish Executive), Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT), ScotRail and Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire.

2.2 A Scoping Study had been commissioned originally, which had identified the considerable potential for the line to be developed in terms of reducing travel time, improving frequencies and improving facilities at stations. In cognisance of the potential for improvement, and in recognition of the limited service frequency and long journey time on that line (currently over 90 minutes end to end), a further study was commissioned, that built on the original work. There were several constraints placed upon the development of options, namely: 0 To provide an express service to provide competitive journey times between Edinburgh and Glasgow and provide improved rail access to communities in Lanarkshire and West Lothian; 0 It must be technically feasible for implementation in the short to medium term; 0 It must provide value for money; 0 It must be affordable within the constraints of public sector expenditure.

2.2 The study produced a Business Case for a preferred option, that being a new, additional, hourly Edinburgh-Glasgow semi-fast service, operated by class 170 train units, calling at Haymarket, Livingston South, West Calder, Shotts and Uddingston. It also proposed the upgrading of all stations visited by the "express" service. ScotRail had looked at the proposals and were of the opinion that it was a feasible proposition.

2.3 The Scottish Executive were subsequently approached, to try to get them to take this forward. However, whilst acknowledging the general merits of the scheme, they felt that the scheme was perhaps not ambitious enough, and that further work was required to gain a better understanding of train pathing and platform issues.

3. Current Proposals

3.1 In recognition of the potential for improvement on the Shotts line, a further study is in the process of being commissioned, essentially an extension and development of the most recent study. Transport Scotland will undertake a timetable validation exercise using the timetable simulation model Railsys, which is currently being developed to cover the whole of the central belt and northwards. This will produce a base case scenario, which can be used to make direct comparisons for any improvements that may be proposed. This model will take cognisance of capacity constraints are future proposals for Edinburgh Waverley and .

3.2 The study will examine the potential for the ultimate introduction of two “express services” per hour with an hourly local service being provided to service the majority of existing stations. A general presumption in the study is that no viable station would have a worse service than it currently has.

3.3 Although the study is being developed on the basis of Shotts being the stop within North Lanarkshire for the potential “express service”, the consultants could be asked to test Holytown and/ or Cleland or Carfin as the express stop. The case for any of these would be on likely future demand, patronage catchment areas, and the like.

4 Sustainability Implications

4.1 The improvement of services on this rail line is consistent with Council and Government policies to promote sustainable transport modes. If and when the project is implemented, it will help the Council to meet its obligations under the Road Traffic Reduction Act. The project will also contribute to achieving objectives outlined within the Council’s sustainability index, including: Improving transport links between centres of population and employment sites, Increasing employment opportunities for local people, Locating development in areas easily accessed by public transport.

5. Corporate Considerations

5.1 The cost of the new study is expected to be in the region of f50,000.It is anticipated that this will be paid by Transport Scotland.

5.2 Transport Scotland will approach SPff and the South-East Transport Partnership to determine whether or not they may provide some of the funding. At present, the council has not been approached for funding. Any such approach will be reported to the Planning & Environment Committee. The council contributed towards the previous studies.

5.3 The improvement of train services on the Shotts line will contribute positively to the Council’s social inclusion and economic regeneration objectives.

6.0 Recommendation

6.1 Committee is asked to:- (i) Note the scope of this further study that is due to be commissioned to examine potential improvements to the Edinburgh to Glasgow via Shotts line; (ii) Note that a further report will be presented to committee whenever a draft study report has been produced by the consultant;

David M. Porch DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

Local Government Access to Information Act: for further information please contact David McDove at 01236 616256